2015 Lexus NX production kicks off in Japan

Lexus announced that the 2015 NX production has just kicked off and the compact crossover is on its way to dealers around the world. The 2015 Lexus NX will be built at the Miyata Plant, which received the Gold Plant Quality Award in the 2014 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM published by J.D. Power and Associates.

In addition, Lexus is also reviving the neighboring Kanda Plant, which will be used to produce the turbo engines used by the NX. For those who don’t know, the NX 200t uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that generates 235 hp (175 kW) and 349 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

Meanwhile, the NX 300h is powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine as well as an electric motor in order to deliver a maximum output of 194 hp (145 kW). Lexus offers the NX as standard with front-wheel drive, while the all-wheel drive system is available as an option.

According to Lexus, the Japanese market is eager to get the new NX crossover as the company received over 6,500 orders for the new vehicle, which is significantly more than they expected.

Describing the development of the NX, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Executive Vice President Masamoto Maekawa said: "The ideas that drove the creation of the NX didn't just come from the development team. We made 'Team NX' as broad as possible, including inputs from marketing, sales planning and production."

A vivid design justifies vivid paint colours. The NX offers a new colour, Eminent White, that, with Silver Lining Metallic (first on the IS), is one of two Lexus-created colours that create a metallic shine. Eminent White is more vibrant than the brightest usual white.

This technology splits the paint film into two, one cosmetic layer and the other practical. After they are dried, the practical layer reduces to one-quarter its prior thickness, compacting mica particles for powerful reflectivity and shades.

Entering the Lexus NX will feel like entering a sports car. The interior design blends structural components with lavish but practical materials and shapes. The central console is the unmistakable point of focus, surrounded by bold silver architectural components with kneepads on both sides. Metal wrapped in leather over high-contrast metallic colours creates visual depths. The NX dash and console maintain the Lexus ideas of display and operation zones.

Press Release

Lexus NX Starts Production on a High Note

The all-new Lexus "NX" breaks the mold. It's the first Lexus compact crossover SUV, and the first Lexus vehicle to offer a turbo model. Production has begun, marked by today's line-off ceremony, and soon the NX will be on its way to dealers all around the world.

Built to the highest standards

Owners can expect uncompromising quality. The Miyata Plant, where the NX is being built, won the Gold Plant Quality Award in the 2014 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM published by J.D. Power and Associates.

Production of the NX is also rejuvenating the neighboring Kanda Plant, which will be producing the turbo engines for the NX. According to Iwao Nihashi, president of Toyota Motor Kyushu (TMK), "When the Global Financial Crisis struck, we had to shut down one of our two lines. But now that we're producing the turbo engine for the NX, the line is open again and we're back to full operation."

Wide-ranging input

The NX combines sporty urban driving performance with the power of an SUV. Two variants－the NX 200t, the first Lexus fitted with a turbo engine, and the NX 300h, powered by a hybrid system－both offer responsive, engaging drives and excellent environmental performance.

Flying start

The NX is already attracting a lot of interest. As TMK President Nihashi noted, "People all over the world are excited about the NX. Dealers understand its potential, and they're asking us to give them as many as possible, as soon as possible... We believe the NX will sell well around the world, and that it will become a core model in the Lexus lineup."

In Japan, Lexus has already received 6,500 preorders for the NX. TMC Executive Vice President Maekawa described this as "significantly more than we originally expected. What's more, initial feedback is extremely positive."